Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iran’s Space Agency confirmed that Zafar and Paya satellites will be launched on Russia’s Soyuz rocket in fall 2025, while also preparing the Chabahar Space Center for domestic launches. Alongside, Iran is advancing its Nahid-2 program, reflecting both Russo-Iranian space cooperation and growing domestic capabilities.
Pakistan has successfully launched and activated a new remote sensing satellite from China’s XSLC. The satellite is now transmitting high-resolution images, enabling advancements in urban planning, disaster management, agriculture, environmental protection, and CPEC projects, marking a major step in Pakistan’s technological self-reliance.
Türk Telekom posted record Q2 growth with TL 50.4B in revenue and 2.5M new postpaid subscribers over 12 months. With 54% of LTE sites fiber-connected, it is well-positioned for Türkiye’s 2025 5G spectrum auction and rollout in 2026, while also nearing a 25-year concession renewal.
The UAE has named Latifa as its first virtual Emirati family member following a public vote. Part of a Digital Dubai initiative, Latifa and her family will serve as digital ambassadors promoting AI awareness, digital responsibility, and storytelling around Dubai’s innovation and community values.
UAE telecom operator du has launched a new ‘Salary in the Digital Wallet’ service via du Pay, allowing blue-collar workers to receive wages directly into their digital wallets. The service offers cashless convenience, international transfers, and bill payments, addressing financial inclusion for workers without access to traditional banking.
Tunisia’s Ministry of Health is deploying the Najda platform nationwide to improve cardiac emergency response. Linking ambulances, hospitals, and specialists in real time, Najda reduces treatment delays and boosts survival chances. The project is part of broader health digitization efforts, including telemedicine expansion and international partnerships.
LINX and center3 have upgraded Riyadh’s Internet Exchange with expanded 100GE ports and new 400GE connectivity, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a digital hub. The enhancements support Vision 2030 goals, while center3’s $10B expansion plan targets 1GW of data centre capacity by 2030.
Fahy Studios has secured $1.75 million from Impact46 and Merak Capital to expand its hybrid-casual mobile game development pipeline, including titles RAWR, Footy Traps, and Heist Party. Backed by Saudi’s booming gaming ecosystem, the studio aims to deliver globally competitive games while positioning the Kingdom as a gaming powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia participated in the 31st GCC Post and Telecommunications Undersecretaries Meeting, where member states agreed on measures to boost cooperation, review sectoral work plans, and address new technologies including AI. The session built consensus on recommendations to advance the region’s telecom and postal services.
The GSMA’s Digital Nation Summit in Islamabad praised Pakistan’s progress but warned of a 52% mobile Internet usage gap, the largest in APAC. With reforms on spectrum, taxation, trust, and regulation, Pakistan could transform into a digital powerhouse, boosting economic growth, social inclusion, and regional leadership in innovation.